Conflict and Compassion Event Series Highlights Role of Sisters of Charity in the American Civil War
3/3/2014
The University of Mount Saint Vincent and the Sisters of Charity of New York will host a three-part event series on March 24, March 31, and April 3 titled “Conflict and Compassion: The Civil War, Sisters of Charity, and New York’s Catholics.” This dynamic series will explore the role of the Sisters of Charity in the Civil War.
On March 24, “A City at War: New York Catholics and the American Civil War, 1860-1865,” will feature President Dr. Charles L. Flynn, Dr. Daniel Opler, and Sr. Mary McCormick, S.C. who will discuss the Civil War experiences of New York Catholics, including Sisters of Charity and Irish immigrants. “Charity on the Battlefield” will celebrate the untold stories of the Sisters of Charity who worked as nurses on the Civil War battle-field in song and drama. The series will conclude with a guest lecture on Civil War medicine by historian Dr. Robert G. Slawson.
“Hundreds of Catholic Sisters tended the broken bodies and spirits of Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War” shares Sr. Regina Bectle, S.C. “It’s fitting for the Sisters and the College community to remember these women who gave ‘every service in their power’ – and then some.”
All events are free and the general public is warmly invited to attend.
Conflict and Compassion: The Civil War, Sisters of Charity, and New York’s Catholics
Panel: “A City at War: New York Catholics and the American Civil War, 1860-1865”
Monday, March 24, 4 p.m. in the Presidents’ Reception Room, Founders Hall
Presenters:
Sr. Mary McCormick, SC,
Dr. Daniel Opler
President Charles L. Flynn, (moderator)
Whether as soldiers or participants in the anti-war draft riots, the Irish immigrants of New York played major roles in the Civil War. The Sisters of Charity worked to make sure that the war did as little harm as possible, whether through their work as nurses, by mitigating the effects of the draft riots, or by working to help the children left behind during the war. This discussion will explore how these two groups of Catholics experienced the Civil War.
“Charity on the Battlefield: Sketches in Story and Song”
Monday, March 31, 5:15 p.m. in the Presidents’ Reception Room, Founders Hall
A presentation in drama and music of little-known stories of Sisters of Charity who nursed our nation’s “wounded warriors” during the Civil War.
“Medicine in the Civil War Era”
Thursday, April 3, 4 p.m. in Science Hall 101 (location change)
Presenter: Dr. Robert G. Slawson, M.D., FACR
Robert G. Slawson, M.D., FACR, is a retired physician who specializes in medicine of the Civil War. He is the author of the book Prologue to Change: African Americans in Medicine in the Civil War Era.
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment and leadership in the 21st century.